March 10th, 2020
Northwell Health remains on heightened alert as the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread, especially after cases continue to be confirmed in New York.
The health system has been utilizing its Emergency Operations Center, which allows Northwell to quickly mobilize system-wide resources, personnel and supplies — medications, N95 protective respirators and other personal protective equipment. Due to its proximity to JFK International Airport, Northwell has also taken several precautions at its hospitals and ambulatory practices to ensure the safety of all patients and staff.
Outbreaks are always a public health concern, so it’s essential that health care workers and the public at-large avoid contact with the virus, protect themselves, control the potential spread of the virus and offer or receive the best treatment options should they become infected.
The following answers some frequently asked questions about the virus and Northwell’s approach to containing and treating it.
What is COVID-19?
While coronaviruses are common throughout the world, scientists have identified seven different types of the virus, from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). This novel coronavirus is called COVID-19, which originated in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China.
COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that primarily spreads when coming in contact with the respiratory droplets — coughing, sneezing, saliva or nasal discharge — from an infected person. Most patients with COVID-19 have had links to a large seafood and live animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread.
However, a growing number of patients reportedly have not had exposure to animal markets, suggesting limited person-to-person spread is occurring. Current evidence shows all usual infection control practices are effective in limiting transmission.
To minimize spreading the virus, it is critical to practice good hygiene, washing your hands regularly with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water. Also, make sure to cough or sneeze into your flexed elbow and immediately discard tissues after being used.
What are the symptoms?
People with COVID-19 usually have a fever, in a small percent of cases respiratory symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, sore throat and runny nose. Symptoms can progress to pneumonia and other complications, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), kidney failure and even death. Fortunately most cases of the novel coronavirus have mild to moderate illness no different than the flu.
Is there a treatment for COVID-19?
There is no specific treatment for COVID-19. However, many of the symptoms can be treated based on your clinical condition. Supportive care for infected persons can be highly effective.
If I have flu-like symptoms, what should I do?
If you aren’t feeling well, the best advice is to stay home and rest. Drink plenty of clear fluids. If symptoms persist or worsen, call your primary care physician or other health care provider.
Consider urgent care centers if necessary, but avoid going to emergency departments—which are historically busy this time of year—unless your symptoms worsen and you have no other options to receive care.
If you have not traveled to China or other affected areas and you have no other risk factors, you probably have the flu, not COVID-19.
Three things you can do for coronavirus prevention
As anxiety intensifies, Robert Glatter, MD, says to ditch the mad dash for a coronavirus mask, wash your hands regularly and stay home if you get sick.
How is COVID-19 tested?
Northwell tests individuals who are symptomatic and whose travel history suggests they may have been exposed. Testing, which take samples of mucus and saliva, is currently coordinated through the city, county and state health departments.
Is Northwell Health currently testing COVID-19 patients?
On March 11, 2020, Northwell Labs announced the start of semi-automated testing for COVID-19. The transition from manual to semi-automated testing will allow us to process hundreds of samples a day. While the expanded ability to test patients for COVID-19 will greatly enhance Northwell’s ability to manage patients with potential infection, testing will continue to be reserved for those at risk for severe disease in addition to those who have had confirmed close contact with an infected individual.
Who is Northwell testing?
While Northwell Health continues to expand its COVID-19 lab-testing capacity (we are processing about 200 tests/daily through Northwell Labs), testing is still being prioritized for hospitalized patients who are at high risk for infection and require more-immediate and intensive medical attention.
We are also testing patients who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 who potentially had close contact with an infected individual.
Only people who meet that criteria will be tested. All others who are concerned about exposure but who have no symptoms should recuperate at home.
How serious is COVID-19 risk compared to flu risk?
You are at far greater risk of contracting the flu than COVID-19 at the current time. The flu has already killed more than 18,000 people in the U.S. this season. If you haven’t received the flu vaccine yet, do so immediately. The best way to avoid getting sick is to vigilantly wash your hands, and avoid close contact with sick people and congested areas.
What if I was in close contact with someone who has been exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 patient?
The CDC does not recommend testing, symptom monitoring or special management for people exposed to asymptomatic people with potential exposures to COVID-19, such as in a household, workplace or social setting.
Are transplant patients at higher risk for COVID-19?
Yes. As with other viruses, transplant patients are at a higher risk for infection due to anti-rejection medications. If infected, transplant patients maybe at higher risk for developing pneumonia. It is very important that you contact your Northwell transplant team, if you get sick with a fever and cough.
Should transplant patients wear a mask?
We recommend all recent transplant recipients and any recipient on higher doses of immunosuppression wear a surgical mask when out in the public. It is not recommended that transplant patients wear a N95 mask at this time.
What is Northwell’s plan to minimize the spread of COVID-19?
The health system has a sophisticated emergency response plan that has effectively managed previous infectious disease outbreaks, including SARS in 2003, H1N1 (swine flu) in 2009 and Ebola in 2014.
In coordination with our Emergency Management team, we’ve implemented existing guidelines and procedures to identify potential patients as soon as they enter the health system’s hospitals and other facilities. These comprehensive guidelines direct employees through the appropriate disease recognition, infection prevention, treatment, isolation and reporting protocols.
Clinicians also stand ready at various ports of entry, who are on alert to identify those who are sick or at risk. Patients who are suspected of having novel coronavirus are isolated appropriately.
In addition, Northwell activated its Emergency Operations Center, which allows the health system to take proactive steps to monitor and address this rapidly developing situation from one centralized location and respond to the needs of Northwell’s hospitals and outpatient facilities, including the distribution of medications, supplies and personal protective equipment such as N95 respirators, gowns, gloves and goggles worn by clinicians that are at high-risk for caring for potential patients.
Is Northwell canceling or postponing surgeries?
As part of its efforts to reduce the spread of coronavirus, Northwell has canceled all elective surgeries and procedures that were scheduled to be performed in its hospitals from Monday, March 16 through April 15. The new guidelines will NOT apply to emergency surgeries performed in Northwell hospitals.
Elective surgeries, endoscopies and other invasive procedures in the health system's outpatient settings will continue to be performed when deemed clinically necessary. If they are considered non-essential, the elective cases will be postponed or canceled to minimize COVID-19 exposure to patients and staff.
To further reduce the volume of patients coming into its facilities, Northwell is also directing its practitioners to reschedule non-essential visits unless clinically necessary within the next four weeks.
Planned imaging procedures, such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs), mammograms and non-invasive cardiology testing, will NOT be canceled at this time. Patients confirmed for imaging appoints will be contacted prior to their scheduled visits to identify those who may be at higher risk of COVID-19 infection.
Patients with scheduled appointments who have any questions can call 833-4UR-CARE.
How is Northwell protecting staff?
To help protect our team members and minimize the spread of COVID-19 in our care locations, all Northwell employees – regardless of whether they have contact with patients – are required to wear a procedural mask at all times in each of our hospitals and all ambulatory locations.
In cases where a provider is caring for a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patient, the provider will use an N95 respirator, as well as other personal protective equipment, including gowns, gloves and protective goggles.
The front-line providers in Northwell’s Emergency Departments are trained on appropriate use to reduce exposure when a potential case presents. We remain vigilant in performing hand hygiene when removing personal protective equipment and routinely practicing hand hygiene, routinely cleaning equipment and adhering to environmental cleaning and disinfection each day, as well as when patients are discharged. We are also following waste management protocols after treating patients with suspect/confirmed COVID-19.
As a whole, Northwell is following standards that meet and go beyond the CDC’s recommendations. The COVID-19 outbreak is an evolving situation and the health system stands ready to adhere to changing recommendations from regulatory agencies.
What else can I do to stay well during this crisis?
Remaining in good physical and emotional health is important as COVID-19 continues to spread.
Consider the following tips:
Obtain your flu shot if you have not already.
Exercise good judgement by avoiding non-essential travel to impacted areas identified by the CDC.
Take practical steps such as routine handwashing to protect yourself and your families. back...
The health system has been utilizing its Emergency Operations Center, which allows Northwell to quickly mobilize system-wide resources, personnel and supplies — medications, N95 protective respirators and other personal protective equipment. Due to its proximity to JFK International Airport, Northwell has also taken several precautions at its hospitals and ambulatory practices to ensure the safety of all patients and staff.
Outbreaks are always a public health concern, so it’s essential that health care workers and the public at-large avoid contact with the virus, protect themselves, control the potential spread of the virus and offer or receive the best treatment options should they become infected.
The following answers some frequently asked questions about the virus and Northwell’s approach to containing and treating it.
What is COVID-19?
While coronaviruses are common throughout the world, scientists have identified seven different types of the virus, from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). This novel coronavirus is called COVID-19, which originated in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China.
COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that primarily spreads when coming in contact with the respiratory droplets — coughing, sneezing, saliva or nasal discharge — from an infected person. Most patients with COVID-19 have had links to a large seafood and live animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread.
However, a growing number of patients reportedly have not had exposure to animal markets, suggesting limited person-to-person spread is occurring. Current evidence shows all usual infection control practices are effective in limiting transmission.
To minimize spreading the virus, it is critical to practice good hygiene, washing your hands regularly with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water. Also, make sure to cough or sneeze into your flexed elbow and immediately discard tissues after being used.
What are the symptoms?
People with COVID-19 usually have a fever, in a small percent of cases respiratory symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, sore throat and runny nose. Symptoms can progress to pneumonia and other complications, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), kidney failure and even death. Fortunately most cases of the novel coronavirus have mild to moderate illness no different than the flu.
Is there a treatment for COVID-19?
There is no specific treatment for COVID-19. However, many of the symptoms can be treated based on your clinical condition. Supportive care for infected persons can be highly effective.
If I have flu-like symptoms, what should I do?
If you aren’t feeling well, the best advice is to stay home and rest. Drink plenty of clear fluids. If symptoms persist or worsen, call your primary care physician or other health care provider.
Consider urgent care centers if necessary, but avoid going to emergency departments—which are historically busy this time of year—unless your symptoms worsen and you have no other options to receive care.
If you have not traveled to China or other affected areas and you have no other risk factors, you probably have the flu, not COVID-19.
Three things you can do for coronavirus prevention
As anxiety intensifies, Robert Glatter, MD, says to ditch the mad dash for a coronavirus mask, wash your hands regularly and stay home if you get sick.
How is COVID-19 tested?
Northwell tests individuals who are symptomatic and whose travel history suggests they may have been exposed. Testing, which take samples of mucus and saliva, is currently coordinated through the city, county and state health departments.
Is Northwell Health currently testing COVID-19 patients?
On March 11, 2020, Northwell Labs announced the start of semi-automated testing for COVID-19. The transition from manual to semi-automated testing will allow us to process hundreds of samples a day. While the expanded ability to test patients for COVID-19 will greatly enhance Northwell’s ability to manage patients with potential infection, testing will continue to be reserved for those at risk for severe disease in addition to those who have had confirmed close contact with an infected individual.
Who is Northwell testing?
While Northwell Health continues to expand its COVID-19 lab-testing capacity (we are processing about 200 tests/daily through Northwell Labs), testing is still being prioritized for hospitalized patients who are at high risk for infection and require more-immediate and intensive medical attention.
We are also testing patients who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 who potentially had close contact with an infected individual.
Only people who meet that criteria will be tested. All others who are concerned about exposure but who have no symptoms should recuperate at home.
How serious is COVID-19 risk compared to flu risk?
You are at far greater risk of contracting the flu than COVID-19 at the current time. The flu has already killed more than 18,000 people in the U.S. this season. If you haven’t received the flu vaccine yet, do so immediately. The best way to avoid getting sick is to vigilantly wash your hands, and avoid close contact with sick people and congested areas.
What if I was in close contact with someone who has been exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 patient?
The CDC does not recommend testing, symptom monitoring or special management for people exposed to asymptomatic people with potential exposures to COVID-19, such as in a household, workplace or social setting.
Are transplant patients at higher risk for COVID-19?
Yes. As with other viruses, transplant patients are at a higher risk for infection due to anti-rejection medications. If infected, transplant patients maybe at higher risk for developing pneumonia. It is very important that you contact your Northwell transplant team, if you get sick with a fever and cough.
Should transplant patients wear a mask?
We recommend all recent transplant recipients and any recipient on higher doses of immunosuppression wear a surgical mask when out in the public. It is not recommended that transplant patients wear a N95 mask at this time.
What is Northwell’s plan to minimize the spread of COVID-19?
The health system has a sophisticated emergency response plan that has effectively managed previous infectious disease outbreaks, including SARS in 2003, H1N1 (swine flu) in 2009 and Ebola in 2014.
In coordination with our Emergency Management team, we’ve implemented existing guidelines and procedures to identify potential patients as soon as they enter the health system’s hospitals and other facilities. These comprehensive guidelines direct employees through the appropriate disease recognition, infection prevention, treatment, isolation and reporting protocols.
Clinicians also stand ready at various ports of entry, who are on alert to identify those who are sick or at risk. Patients who are suspected of having novel coronavirus are isolated appropriately.
In addition, Northwell activated its Emergency Operations Center, which allows the health system to take proactive steps to monitor and address this rapidly developing situation from one centralized location and respond to the needs of Northwell’s hospitals and outpatient facilities, including the distribution of medications, supplies and personal protective equipment such as N95 respirators, gowns, gloves and goggles worn by clinicians that are at high-risk for caring for potential patients.
Is Northwell canceling or postponing surgeries?
As part of its efforts to reduce the spread of coronavirus, Northwell has canceled all elective surgeries and procedures that were scheduled to be performed in its hospitals from Monday, March 16 through April 15. The new guidelines will NOT apply to emergency surgeries performed in Northwell hospitals.
Elective surgeries, endoscopies and other invasive procedures in the health system's outpatient settings will continue to be performed when deemed clinically necessary. If they are considered non-essential, the elective cases will be postponed or canceled to minimize COVID-19 exposure to patients and staff.
To further reduce the volume of patients coming into its facilities, Northwell is also directing its practitioners to reschedule non-essential visits unless clinically necessary within the next four weeks.
Planned imaging procedures, such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs), mammograms and non-invasive cardiology testing, will NOT be canceled at this time. Patients confirmed for imaging appoints will be contacted prior to their scheduled visits to identify those who may be at higher risk of COVID-19 infection.
Patients with scheduled appointments who have any questions can call 833-4UR-CARE.
How is Northwell protecting staff?
To help protect our team members and minimize the spread of COVID-19 in our care locations, all Northwell employees – regardless of whether they have contact with patients – are required to wear a procedural mask at all times in each of our hospitals and all ambulatory locations.
In cases where a provider is caring for a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patient, the provider will use an N95 respirator, as well as other personal protective equipment, including gowns, gloves and protective goggles.
The front-line providers in Northwell’s Emergency Departments are trained on appropriate use to reduce exposure when a potential case presents. We remain vigilant in performing hand hygiene when removing personal protective equipment and routinely practicing hand hygiene, routinely cleaning equipment and adhering to environmental cleaning and disinfection each day, as well as when patients are discharged. We are also following waste management protocols after treating patients with suspect/confirmed COVID-19.
As a whole, Northwell is following standards that meet and go beyond the CDC’s recommendations. The COVID-19 outbreak is an evolving situation and the health system stands ready to adhere to changing recommendations from regulatory agencies.
What else can I do to stay well during this crisis?
Remaining in good physical and emotional health is important as COVID-19 continues to spread.
Consider the following tips:
Obtain your flu shot if you have not already.
Exercise good judgement by avoiding non-essential travel to impacted areas identified by the CDC.
Take practical steps such as routine handwashing to protect yourself and your families. back...
